Israel pledges support for Kenya’s operation against terror group

Kenya got the backing of the Israeli Government in its war to rid its territory of fundamentalist groups.

Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared they will help Kenya in its struggles to secure its borders.

The two countries will later today signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on homeland security.

At separate meetings in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his delegation which includes Internal Security minister George Saitoti, the two Israeli leaders emphasised that Kenya is an important ally whose stability was critical for the region.

Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted Mr Odinga’s invitation to visit Nairobi early next year as a statement of Israel’s readiness to stand with Kenya.

Mr Netanyahu promised to help build “a coalition against fundamentalism” that brings together like-minded regional states.

He expressed concern that threats from militants threaten Kenya’s tourism, adding that her frustration with fundamentalists is similar to Israel’s and the two countries must therefore stand together.

Earlier on Sunday, President Peres pledged to support Kenya to strengthen security within its borders.

At a meeting with Mr Odinga in Jerusalem on Sunday, the Israeli President also said his government is ready to make “everything available to Kenya” for internal security and food production.

On the ties between Kenya and Israel, Mr Odinga singled out the Israeli rescue mission that rushed into Nairobi soon after the 1998 terrorist attack on the US embassy.

President Peres said Kenya has assisted Israel in a number of its internal security challenges.

“Kenya has stood on the side of Israel in its hour of need. Consistently, Kenya has shown a very positive attitude towards Israel and Israel is ready to help,” the President said.

At the same time, Mr. Netanyahu called on the international community to rally to Kenya’s side, saying patrolling the high seas is in the interest of all nations.

“Kenya’s enemies are Israel’s enemies too so we should be able to help. We have similar forces planning to bring us down. I see it as an opportunity to strengthen our ties,” Mr Netanyahu said.

Mr Odinga said terrorism called for advanced and improved security measures, including more surveillance by the Kenya Police.